Marco Vélez
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Marco Vélez | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
Marco Vélez (born June 26 1980) is a Puerto Rican professional soccer player, currently playing with Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. He is the captain of the Puerto Rican national team.
Biography
High school and college
Vélez began playing youth soccer in Puerto Rico, but moved to Bolletieri (IMG) Soccer Academy when in high school. He then attended Barry University from 1999 to 2001 where he played on the men's soccer team. During his freshman and sophomore years he was named first team All Conference.[1]
Seattle Sounders
In 2003 Vélez was drafted by the MetroStars in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft but he decided to sign with the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division in April 2003. While a defender in college, Vélez moved to forward briefly during the 2003 season. However, he returned to the back line in 2004. That season, he helped the Sounders reach the league finals.
Puerto Rico Islanders
In 2005 he signed with the Puerto Rico Islanders where he scored 2 goals in 22 games playing as a defender. He finished ranked 10th in the USL in fouls with 44. During the 2006 season, Vélez was instrumental in the Puerto Rico Islanders qualify to the Play-Offs and to participate in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualifiers. This would be the first time in Puerto Rico Islanders history to qualify for both Play-Offs and CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualifiers. Vélez was selected to be the Islanders Captain during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualifiers.
During the 2007 season, Vélez scored one goal and added one assist in twenty-seven games. His everyday play as defender was crucial to the Puerto Rico Islanders advancing for the first time in team history to the USL Semi-Finals and to qualify for second year in a row for the Play-Offs. Velez led the Islanders in matches and minutes played.
In July 2007, the California Cougars of Major Indoor Soccer League drafted Velez in the sixth round (49th overall) of the league's supplemental draft.[2]
Toronto FC
Velez is currently under contract with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) after being transfered from the Puerto Rico Islanders; becoming the first Puerto Rican (born and raised) to participate in MLS. He made his MLS debut on 29 March 2008 in a 2-0 defeat to Columbus Crew.[3] Velez started the next two matches for Toronto FC as well, and appears ready to compete with first round draft pick Julius James for the right to start alongside Tyrone Marshall. Velez has started alongside Marshall all six games for Toronto FC, scoring his first goal in MLS on May 1st vs. the New York Redbulls for a 1-1 tie at BMO Field.
Puerto Rico National Team
In January of 2008 Velez was named again for the Puerto Rico National Team, he was also given the tittle of Captain by coach Colin Clarke.
See also
Links